Police and Ministers Confront Demands for Full Investigation into Prince Andrew's Trade Envoy Role
Police chiefs and government ministers are facing escalating calls for a comprehensive investigation into Prince Andrew's conduct during his time as a UK trade envoy. This follows a series of damning revelations published by The Mail on Sunday, which expose the extent of his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Exploitation of Taxpayer-Funded Position
A dossier compiled by the newspaper reveals how Prince Andrew allegedly exploited his taxpayer-funded role to advance Epstein's business interests. Emails from the vast Epstein Files show that Andrew permitted the financier to organize meetings for him during an official trade mission to China in 2010. This appears to represent a significant breach of protocol, as such trips were meant to be coordinated by the government to promote British business abroad.
New photographs uncovered in the documents depict Andrew socializing with a glamorous Chinese model at a secret dinner in Beijing. Before this event, his adviser, businessman David Stern, described the woman in offensive terms in an email. The dinner also included billionaire Chinese media mogul Bruno Wu, with Stern later suggesting potential business deals involving Andrew.
Leaks of Sensitive Information
The investigation further discloses that Andrew leaked sensitive information about Royal Bank of Scotland following its £45 billion taxpayer-funded bailout. Additionally, a senior palace aide leaked an official diplomatic cable concerning UK-China trade relations to a banker who was both Andrew's friend and business associate.
Epstein reportedly boasted about obtaining intelligence from Andrew, former Cabinet Minister Lord Mandelson, and a mysterious 'third man' from inside 10 Downing Street, declaring: 'I've got the UK sewn up'. This claim has intensified concerns about national security breaches.
Planning of Official Visits
Emails reveal that Stern, a London-based German businessman who advised both Andrew and Epstein, was asked to 'help' plan the September 2010 official visit to China. Stern informed Epstein that he would insert meetings with organizations quietly requested by the paedophile, focusing on 'financial/asset management' rather than industry ministries.
During the trip, Stern sent discreetly-taken photographs to Epstein showing Andrew meeting multiple young women, though there is no suggestion any were victims of Epstein or Andrew. The photos also show Andrew enjoying a ride on a bamboo river raft, seemingly unaware of the documentation.
Business Deals and Investment Proposals
Following the China trip, Stern discussed potential business deals with Epstein, including a proposed $1 million investment with Bruno Wu involving '3 luxury brands and 3 clubs'. Stern emphasized that since it involved Prince Andrew, Epstein might want to review it. In 2011, Stern proposed setting up a 'discreet' investment firm targeting Chinese state-owned enterprises and private wealth, noting it should have 'access to power globally – see PA [Prince Andrew]'.
Political and Public Reactions
Former Business Secretary Vince Cable stated: 'Of course there should be an inquiry – it's disgraceful behaviour. The main issue is whether this is a police matter and it is for them and the director of public prosecutions to decide. But undoubtedly this is very, very bad behaviour.'
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized Andrew, saying: 'Andrew has sold our country down the river every chance he gets. It's high time spineless Keir Starmer actually does something and investigates the full extent of the damage he's done to Britain's security.'
A Labour aide added: 'Andrew's behaviour as trade envoy is a complete betrayal. He has dragged Britain's name through the mud. There needs to be an investigation to find out the full extent of damage he has caused. The Prime Minister should get on the front foot and give him both barrels.'
Royal author Andrew Lownie called for a parliamentary inquiry into Andrew's time as trade envoy and how he 'personally enriched himself and his business cronies.'
Police Assessment and Official Response
Thames Valley Police is currently assessing allegations that Andrew shared confidential material with Epstein but has not yet launched a criminal investigation. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: 'We continue to assess all relevant information and have no further comment at this time.'
Prince Andrew served as a roving trade ambassador from 2001 to 2011, with his role designed to promote British business and attract investment on taxpayer-funded trips overseas. The revelations have sparked fresh calls for the government to release documents from his tenure and for police to investigate potential abuse of public office.
Andrew did not respond to The Mail on Sunday's request for comment, while Miya Muqi, the Chinese model featured in the photographs, also did not comment. The mounting evidence and political pressure suggest that this scandal will continue to dominate headlines and prompt serious scrutiny of Andrew's actions during his official duties.
